10 Best Things to Do in Ishigaki

Situated in the north of Ishigaki, Kabira Bay is a beautiful coastline with white sandy beaches, lush vegetation, and emerald-green waters. One of the most popular places to visit on the island, you can walk along the powdery soft beach or head to Kabira Park observation deck for spectacular views of the bay.

As it’s one of only 2 places in Japan where black pearls are cultivated, swimming is not permitted at Kabira Bay. However, there are several daily glass bottom boat tours, so you can head out onto the water and see the colourful marine life below the surface. There’s also a temple and shops, where you can buy souvenirs and black pearls to take home.

Not far from Kabira Bay on the north coast of Ishigaki, Yonehara Beach is one of the best beaches on the island. There’s plenty of soft powdery sand and shallow water that’s perfect for swimming – plus, it’s a great spot for snorkelling.

You can snorkel straight off the beach at Yonehara Beach with several corals close to the shoreline. See an array of colourful tropical fish and marine life, including turtles and manta rays if you’re lucky. An accessible beach that’s suitable for families, you’ll find car parking, a shower, and bathrooms – as well as a campground with barbecue facilities.

Enjoy stunning views of the coastline and the ocean from Cape Hirakubozaki – the northernmost tip of Ishigaki island. The viewpoint is marked by an attractive white lighthouse, which provides a striking contrast with the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean.

The ultimate photo opportunity on your trip to Ishigaki, Cape Hirakubozaki is almost an hour and a half by car from the centre of the island, but many visitors claim it is well worth the journey. You’ll see plenty of scenery on the drive up to the north of the island and the views from the cape itself are not to be missed.

Located close to the port in southern Ishigaki, Misakicho – also known as Misaki Town – is a small, pretty area next to the water that’s ideal to explore on foot. Immerse yourself in the local culture in this picturesque part of town, where you can walk along the seafront and enjoy scenic ocean views.

A popular place to stay in Ishigaki, Misakicho is a great place to head after the sun goes down, with plenty of restaurants and karaoke bars to choose from. The area is home to the Euglena Mall – a covered market, which features many traditional eateries and gift shops – as well as the Misaki Tuna Market, where you can sample the freshest fish and seafood.

Found at the foot of Mount Banna in Ishigaki, Banna Park is a protected natural landscape and a great spot to get back to nature on your trip to the island. You can explore the park’s vast natural forest via several hiking trails and meet an abundance of wildlife, including many species of birds and butterflies.

Banna Park also features numerous observation decks with dramatic views of the ocean – as well as birdwatching observation points. Also popular with families, the park includes several picnic areas and an amazing children’s playground with huge slides little ones are sure to love.

Located in the north of the island – but easily accessible from central Ishigaki – the Tamatorizaki Observation Platform is well worth a visit for breathtaking views of the coastline, coral reef, and lush tropical landscapes. Be sure to bring your camera to capture this scenic spot with views of the Pacific Ocean and East China Sea.

If you can, visit the Tamatorizaki Observation Platform early evening for the most memorable views of the sun setting over the ocean. The observation deck is easy to access and there are facilities such as car parking, toilets, and a café to stop in at during your visit.

See a beautiful display of stalactites in the Ishigaki Stalactite Cave, the southernmost cave attraction in Japan and a popular tourist site on the island. The caves are illuminated with lighting to make the stalactites look even more striking as the rocks sparkle in the darkness.

Formed over 200,000 years ago, the Ishigaki Stalactite Cave is a fascinating and child-friendly thing to do on your trip to Ishigaki. You can visit the adjoining restaurant for some delicious soba noodles or soup before or after your visit and pick up a souvenir from the shop.

A hidden gem in Ishigaki, the Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory is a wonderful day out for astronomy lovers. A national observatory in Japan, visitors can take a tour of this interesting facility, which includes a space theatre and the “Murikabushi Telescope” – one of the largest telescopes in the Okinawa region.

The Ishigakijima Astronomical Observatory holds many stargazing events at nighttime, which you can book by calling in advance. On your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to use the famous telescope to view the night sky as well as wat a show about the solar system in the theatre.

Step back in time at the Ishigaki Yaima Village, located on the west coast of the island. This open-air museum recreates life in Ishigaki as it was a century ago with traditional Japanese houses that you can go inside to learn about the culture and history of the island.

As well as the carefully recreated buildings, Ishigaki Yaima Village has plenty of wildlife to discover, and features around 60 squirrel monkeys who live in the village. The museum also hosts many cultural events and shows with traditional music and dance performances.

Situated in the north of Ishigaki, Nosokodake – or Mount Nosoko – offers some of the most breathtaking views of the island and the emerald-green sea beyond. It is the second highest mountain in Ishigaki, and you can climb part of the way by car before hiking up the steep peak, which offers incredible 360-degree views from the top.

A family-friendly day out in Ishigaki, you can take a picnic and enjoy some peace and quiet at the peak of Nosokodake, accompanied by the ocean views. There is car parking available at the start of the trail and the hike to the top will only take around 20 minutes – it’s suitable for kids but may be challenging for very young children.